Isaiah 23:17
At the end of seventy years, the LORD will visit Tyre, and she will return to her wages and will prostitute herself with all the kingdoms of the world on the face of the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "return to her wages" isn't just about getting back to business; it’s a stark reminder that even after judgment, Tyre’s core identity remains tied to the mercenary and deceptive practices of a harlot. This renewal isn't a genuine repentance but a resurgence of the very methods that led to her downfall, highlighting how deeply ingrained her corrupt commerce has become.
After predicting Tyre's destruction and fall into obscurity for seventy years, Isaiah now foretells its restoration and return to its former ways. The city, once a magnificent hub of global commerce, will resume its trade, driven by its insatiable desire for profit, symbolized by the metaphor of prostitution with the nations of the world. This verse sets up a contrast with the subsequent verse, which offers a glimpse of a future, redeemed Tyre.
The Bible often uses specific timeframes to mark God's intervention. What does the 'seventy years' signify for the proud city of Tyre?
The prophecy in Isaiah 23:17 speaks of the Lord visiting Tyre 'after the end of seventy years.' This isn't just a random number; it signifies a period of divine judgment followed by a divinely orchestrated restoration. Historical context suggests this period relates to the aftermath of Nebuchadnezzar's conquest, during which Tyre, though devastated, would eventually be rebuilt and regain its commercial prominence. This highlights God's sovereignty not only in judgment but also in His ultimate purposes for restoration, even for nations that had deeply offended Him.
Why would the prophet compare Tyre's thriving trade to the actions of a prostitute? What does this vivid imagery reveal about their spiritual condition?
The verse uses the powerful metaphor of prostitution to describe Tyre's engagement with the world's kingdoms. This isn't just about trade; it's about Tyre's heart. Their 'hire' – the profits from their extensive commerce – is likened to a prostitute's wages. This signifies a mercenary motive, where their identity and allegiance were ultimately tied to wealth and worldly alliances, rather than to God. They 'prostituted themselves' by seeking relationships and prosperity from all nations, compromising their integrity and essentially worshipping wealth and global influence above the Lord.
Understand the original words
paqad · Hebrew Verb
The act of God intervening in human history, often for the purpose of judgment or restoration. It implies God's active presence and careful attention to the affairs of nations.
ethnan · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting wealth, profit, or reward earned through labor or trade; in this context, it represents the worldly gain and economic power acquired by Tyre.
This prophecy speaks of Tyre's eventual restoration and return to commercial prosperity after a period of desolation, linking a 'seventy years' (perhaps a symbolic period or referencing the Babylonian exile) to its comeback. The text uses the metaphor of a harlot to describe Tyre's promiscuous trade and its eventual renewal, hinting at a future where its wealth serves God.
605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's First Siege of Tyre
Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon, begins a lengthy siege of the island city of Tyre, which would eventually last 13 years. This event marks a significant blow to Tyre's prominence.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and exiles many Judeans to Babylon. This event sets the stage for the Babylonian Empire's dominance and influences other regional powers like Tyre.
c. 573 BC— this verse
Fall of Tyre after 13-year Siege
The island city of Tyre finally falls to Nebuchadnezzar after an arduous 13-year siege. Though the city itself was taken, many inhabitants escaped to establish new settlements.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
Cyrus the Persian conquers Babylon, ending the Neo-Babylonian Empire and ushering in the Achaemenid Persian Empire. This shift in power impacts the geopolitical landscape of the region.
This passage directly echoes Isaiah's metaphor of Tyre as a harlot, describing how 'the merchants of the earth have become rich by the power of her luxurious living,' drawing a strong parallel between Tyre's commercial exploitation and the judgment described in Revelation.
Ezekiel 26:14While Isaiah foretells Tyre's eventual restoration and continuation of its mercenary practices, Ezekiel vividly depicts its utter destruction, stating it will be 'a place for the spreading of nets,' highlighting the contrast between its potential for ruin and its future resurgence.
Nahum 3:4Similar to Isaiah's condemnation, Nahum also uses the imagery of prostitution to describe Nineveh's corrupt practices and seductions, illustrating how this metaphor was used to critique powerful, exploitative nations in the Old Testament.
Isaiah 23:18This verse directly follows the passage in question, showing a radical transformation where Tyre's 'merchandise and her hire' are consecrated to the Lord, offering a glimpse of redemption and purpose beyond mere worldly gain for the city.
cambridgeIsaiah 23:17: "And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth."
17 . The application of the song to Tyre. The comparison of commerce to prostitution is found in Revelation 18:3 and perhaps in Nahum 3:4 . Here it signalises the mercenary motive which was prominent in Tyre’s dealings with other nations. shall return to her hire ] Shal…
clarkeIsaiah 23:17: "And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth."
After the end of seventy years - Tyre, after its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar, recovered, as it is here foretold, its ancient trade, wealth, and grandeur; as it did likewise after a second destruction by Alexander. It became Christian early with the rest of the neighbo…
The phrase "return to her wages" isn't just about getting back to business; it’s a stark reminder that even after judgment, Tyre’s core identity remains tied to the mercenary and deceptive practices of a harlot. This renewal isn't a genuine repentance but a resurgence of the very methods that led to her downfall, highlighting how deeply ingrained her corrupt commerce has become.
After predicting Tyre's destruction and fall into obscurity for seventy years, Isaiah now foretells its restoration and return to its former ways. The city, once a magnificent hub of global commerce, will resume its trade, driven by its insatiable desire for profit, symbolized by the metaphor of prostitution with the nations of the world. This verse sets up a contrast with the subsequent verse, which offers a glimpse of a future, redeemed Tyre.
After predicting Tyre's destruction and fall into obscurity for seventy years, Isaiah now foretells its restoration and return to its former ways. The city, once a magnificent hub of global commerce, will resume its trade, driven by its insatiable desire for profit, symbolized by the metaphor of prostitution with the nations of the world. This verse sets up a contrast with the subsequent verse, which offers a glimpse of a future, redeemed Tyre.
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c. 478 BC
Alexander the Great's Siege of Tyre
Alexander the Great undertakes a famous siege of Tyre, building a causeway to reach the island city. This conquest further reshapes the Hellenistic world and Tyre's place within it.
"At the end of seventy years, the LORD will visit Tyre, and she will return to her wages and will prostitute herself with all the kingdoms of the world on the face of the earth." — The phrase "return to her wages" isn't just about getting back to business; it’s a stark reminder that even after judgment, Tyre’s core identity remains tied to the mercenary and deceptive practices…
